Pumas UNAM pursued a high-profile goalkeeper to reinforce their squad for the Apertura 2025 season following the departure of Álex Padilla. Among their top targets were Keylor Navas, the Costa Rican goalkeeper and three-time UEFA Champions League winner with Real Madrid, and David Ospina of Colombia. Initial negotiations between Pumas and Newell's Old Boys, Navas's then-current club, faced difficulties due to Newell's demanding a $3 million transfer fee, which stalled and ultimately halted the deal. Despite this setback, Pumas continued efforts to sign Navas, who expressed a strong desire to join the Mexican club and even requested Newell's to facilitate his transfer. Eventually, an agreement was reached, and Navas officially joined Pumas for a reported $2 million transfer fee. He received his work visa and was presented as the new goalkeeper for the team, with expectations to debut early in the Apertura 2025. Navas made his debut in a match against Querétaro, where Pumas secured a 2-0 victory, marking their first win of the tournament. Pumas' sporting director Eduardo Saracho emphasized the club's ambition to sign a player of Navas's international stature. The arrival of Navas has been hailed by Pumas captain Efraín Juárez, who called him the best goalkeeper in the history of the continent, and by former Mexican goalkeeper Jorge Campos, who believes Navas's presence could help Pumas end their 14-year title drought.